CLINTON, Mass. - A Central Massachusetts hospital is preparing for an increase in the number of patients coming through their doors for a variety of reasons. They say the Fourth of July weekend often drives more people into the ER.
Mishaps with swimming, grilling and fireworks. There's a lot keeping the emergency rooms busy at UMass Memorial Health's HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital. They say this is among their busiest times of the year, far outpacing most holidays.
"It's usually the days before and the days after when like, 'Oh, maybe I should have gone in.' We're like 'We're happy to see you.' people try to avoid it, maybe for good and for bad reasons," said Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Vice-Chair of the hospital's Emergency Medicine Department.
What You Need To Know
- Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Vice-Chair of UMass Memorial Health's HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital's Emergency Medicine Department, says the Fourth of July is a busy period for the ER.
- She points to fireworks, grilling, swimming, and the heat as all potential dangers if not handled properly.
- Despite being illegal, Edwards says they still see their fair share of fireworks injuries on an annual basis.
- The hospital in Clinton says they upstaff to compensate for the crowds around the holiday.
Despite being illegal, Edwards says they still see their fair share of fireworks injuries on an annual basis.
"We definitely see burn injuries, we see lacerations, cuts, injuries to the hands themselves, people handling fireworks," Edwards said.
Another common theme bringing people into the ER is drinking. Edwards saying the July heat only makes things worse.
"You can start to feel nauseous, vomiting, and feel run down sooner than you'd expect," she said. "So, if you're going to drink, try to increase your water intake with it. Either around it or alternate between the two. You can still have your fun while also being hydrated at the same time."
Heat stroke is also a legitimate danger. Even if you're not drinking, Edwards says hydration is key. As is keeping yourself cool.
And whether you're out by the pool or taking a dip in a lake, she encourages residents to be safe rather than sorry.
"Even if you don't think you need a life vest, consider putting them on your kids or watching more closely, having like you have a sober driver, have someone sober watch someone around safety issues," Edwards said.
Edwards says what makes the Fourth so different is it being in the summer, meaning more people active and prone to injuries. So much so, they upstaff for the Fourth.
"We are prepared and have more staff to do so," Edwards said. "Our nursing staff also increases their staffing as much as possible so we're about as prepared as possibly can be to take care of anybody who comes in."